"It's girls vs. boys, again, on "Survivor."CBS on Tuesday (Aug. 17) revealed the identities of those vying for $1 million on "Survivor: Vanuatu." Producer Mark Burnett set up the two tribes according to gender, as was the case on the highly entertaining "Survivor: The Amazon" in 2003.

Eighteen players, ranging in age from 21 to 59, will take part in the game, up from the usual complement of 16. They include an FBI agent, a sheep farmer named Dolly, a drill sergeant, a model who operates the mechanical bull at L.A.'s Saddle Ranch bar and an amputee, teacher Chad Crittenden from Oakland, Calif.

Crittenden had his right leg amputated below the knee after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He's now cancer-free, however, and has completed a triathlon post-surgery.CBS is making note of Vanuatu's location near the "Ring of Fire," a region of heavy volcanic activity in the South Pacific, and also that black magic is said to be practiced by some tribes who inhabit the small island nation. So we can probably expect those themes to work their way into the game somehow.

When "Survivor" returns on Sept. 16 for its ninth go-round, a whole new batch of castaways will be stranded on Vanuatu Island, located in the remote waters of the South Pacific. A new twist has been revealed as well -- as this time out it is men (Lopevi Tribe) vs. women (Yasur Tribe)! The one familiar face will be that of host JEFF PROBST, who will be there to issue the Rewards and Immunity Challenges, as well as head up the Tribal Councils.

Vanuatu is called the Island of Fire because it is located near the "Ring of Fire," a group of islands built from the lava of volcanoes, where sorcery and black magic are a part of tribal life and the spirits of the dead are believed to have power over the living.

On tonight's ET, we'll introduce you to the fascinating lot of new Survivors, each of whom will compete to be the Ultimate Survivor on "Survivor: Vanuatu -- Islands of Fire," and take home the $1 million prize. As on previous shows, the new group will need to find food, water and shelter in order to exist -- and just as importantly, they will need to size up the competition in order to decide with whom to form an alliance.

Eighteen players will compete this time out: "Survivor" fans ready? Meet the new crew:

Earthy AMI CUSACK, a 31-year-old model/barista from Colorado. Ami says she has a passion for pomegranates and coffee houses!

Handsome BRADY FINTA, a 33-year-old FBI agent and former military second lieutenant out of Huntington Beach, CA. This no-nonsense guy loves football and Gatorade.

Tough-as-nails CHAD CRITTENDEN, a 35-year-old teacher from Oakland, CA. A cancer survivor, Chad had his leg (below the knee) amputated after being diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, an extremely rare and deadly form of cancer. Only nine months after surgery, he went on to complete a triathlon.

Sure-to-be "Survivor" sweetheart DOLLY NEELY, a sheep farmer out of Mercer, PA. The 25-year-old shepherdess is a member of the NRA and says Jesus Christ is her hero.

Pretty and pink-loving ELIZA ORLINS, a 21-year-old, pre-law student out of Syracuse, NY. This policial activist thinks she will win the game because "people will underestimate" her. Better keep your politics to yourself, then!

Mechanical bull-operater/model JOHN KENNEY, a 22-year-old from Los Angeles. John enjoys Pringles, basketball, and Trivial Pursuit.

Football stud JOHN PALYOK, a 31-year-old sales manager from Los Angeles. John is an archery expert, enjoys martial arts and is an avid hunter ... can you say contender?

Football fanatic and father RORY FREEMAN, a 35-year-old S8 case manager from Des Moines, IA. Rory loves the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as a good reggae tune!

Entrepeneur SCOUT CLOUD LEE, a 59-year-old rancher from Stillwater, OK. On her impressive list of achievements? Authoring 11 books, motivation speaking, and a university professor -- just to name a few!

Former wrestler TRAVIS SAMPSON, a 33-year-old out of Blountville, TN. Currently working in loss prevention, Travis was known as "Romeo Bliss" when he was a wrestler for the WWE. He moved on from the sport to spend more time with his family.

Yee-ha! Cowgirl TWILA TANNER, a 41-year-old highway repair worker from Marshall, MO. Twila loves to ride motorcycles and her hero is JOHN WAYNE.

Meet them all when "Survivor: Vanuatu" premieres on Thursday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. on CBS.